Former Sundogs Forward Dusty Collins Skating in AHL's Calder Cup Finals

June 1, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - In just his second full season as a pro, former Arizona Sundogs forward Dusty Collins is playing for his second pro title, this time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manitoba Moose, triple-A affiliate of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks.

In the 2009 Calder Cup Playoffs, Collins has recorded one goal, three assists and 14 PIM through 17 games. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward finds his club down 1-0 in the best-of-7 series against the Hershey Bears after falling 5-4 in overtime in Game 1 on Saturday night. Game 2 is set for Tuesday night in Winnipeg.

Collins, 24, began the 2008-09 season with the ECHL's expansion Ontario Reign but spent the majority of his sophomore season in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs and Manitoba. In 24 games with Ontario to start the season, the Gilbert, Arizona native notched six goals, eight assists and 34 penalty minutes (PIM). In 50 regular season AHL contests with Manchester and Manitoba in 2008-09, Collins tallied 11 goals, three assists and 49 PIM.

In his rookie season with the Sundogs in 2007-08, Collins registered 53 points (23g/30a) and 126 PIM. The former fifth round selection (163rd overall) of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning helped the Sundogs to their first-ever Central Hockey League Ray Miron President's Cup Championship with two goals, five assists and 20 PIM in 17 playoff contests.



Central Hockey League Stories from June 1, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central